Ruthless King

Jilly smiled. “Thank you.”

“Can I speak to Jilly alone?” Lottie asked.

“If that’s all right with her,” Regent answered.

“Yes, of course,” she said, even though she felt nervous.

He stood and set her down on the couch. “I’ll come back in five minutes. I’m going to tell everyone to leave.”

“You can’t just tell them to leave,” she protested.

“Of course I can.”

“Except for us,” Lottie said. “We’re staying, remember?”

“You are welcome here anytime,” he told his sister. “Your men, on the other hand . . .”

“Regent!” Jilly cried.

He grinned. “Joking.”

Lottie looked shocked. “Um, you never joke. Or smile.”

“Well, perhaps I have more to smile about now.” He kissed Lottie on the cheek.

Lottie still looked like she was in shock as she walked over and sat next to Jilly. “Wow. You did that.”

“Did what?” Jilly asked. What had she done now?

“You made my big brother smile.”

“Oh. Well, I did?”

“Yes, you did.” Lottie reached over and took her hand. “And I owe you a big thanks. And an apology.”

“You don’t owe me an apology,” Jilly said in shock.

“I do. I know I was a bit standoffish when we first arrived. It’s just that I’m protective of Regent. He’s always been there for me. I’ve been through a lot and he’s been my main constant. He protected me, cared for me, loved me. Even when my parents didn’t. I want the best for him.”

“I want that too,” Jilly said quietly.

“I can tell. I can see it in the way you look at him. But most importantly, in the way he looks at you. He softens. He stares atyou like you’re his world. And all I ever wanted for him was to be happy. I’ve worried about him here all by himself.”

“I want him to be happy.”

“Good. Then, I think we’re going to become good friends, Jilly. Welcome to the family.”

50

“Say it again.”

“I love you,” he told her as he carried her up the stairs.

She snuggled into him.

They’d said goodbye to his family. She hoped they didn’t think the way Regent had practically rushed them out the door was rude.

Although from the looks on the adults’ faces, they’d known what was going on.